Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

• 

  Great car but two gotchas - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Timo - January 28 - 12:20 pm

  Great car, very tight build, very quiet. But the gas mileage so far is 15-16 in town, and 22-24 on the highway. Far from what the window sticker says. Coupled with a fairly small gas tank for a van and it means that the range is not very good. And while there are about a hundred cupholders, none of them work very well. Youll be chasing bottles of water after every turn.

• 

  A Good Mid Size SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By DRoe - January 27 - 8:56 pm

  First Honda and switched from Amer. cars due to all the repair problems we experienced with them. We have really enjoyed the car. Very reliable. Good ride (suspension) considering it is a SUV. A few weird electrical quirks, but nothing to repair yet! I have had much worse. Uncomfortable to reach radio controls from seat, not ergonomically friendly. Most interior features very basic considering price range. Gas mileage decent and has great acceleration. Some occasional shifting confusion from trans can make for rough shifting. I had checked and told no prob, just the way it is. At this point, I would consider another and definetly like Honda.

• 

  Honest opinion - 1998 Honda Accord
  By bw - January 27 - 8:09 pm

  Overall a nice car. Value, style, driving experience are nice features. Gas mileage 19- 26 depending on tires and driving style. Throttle body sticks, transmission sometimes shifts poorly, alternator and pwr lock died at 72k.

• 

  my new 2007 Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By okdoit11 - January 27 - 1:03 pm

  Hoping this was a good cross for road trips AND towing, it good only on road trips. Quiet, comfortable and great ergonomics inside. Typically SUV, bulky to drive/handle. Terrific reliability. In short a great people and stuff hauler It is not a good towing vehicle. I have a 2700# tent trailer (when fully loaded) and the rear end drops considerably and with the severe cut off on the headlights, night driving is hazardous due to oncoming traffic high beam warning flashing. It doesnt have anywhere near a low gear going down grades and is clearly not an off road vehicle. Summary: terrific land cruiser, not good tower, especially at night and on any sigificant decline.

• 

  Love my E - 2008 Honda Element
  By wowaddict - January 26 - 9:46 pm

  I love my E. Its everything I expected. If youre used to a luxury car this is not for you. This is a no frills car. But lots of fun to drive. Its a peppy little suv with tons of storage. I love the interior and the whole look of the car. The XM radio and iPod hook up are great. The seats can basically turned in to a huge bed. The gas mileage is ok not great but not bad. Its not a car so its not fair to expect great gas mileage but for an SUV its good.

• 

  Sweet vehicle - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By steve - January 26 - 9:29 pm

  We searched for an suv that was large enough to be comfortable yet economical to operate and affordable. We found it in the Pilot. We test drove several before the Pilot and was not impressed enough to lay down the money. This impressed the both of us. It had what we needed and wanted with a couple of extras that are nice. We like the room, the engine performance,third row seating for the grandkids,cargo area is great and the dependabilty factor played a large part of our decision.

• 

  great !! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By JIGAR PATEL - January 26 - 3:53 pm

• 

  2000 Odyssey LX - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By ADubinLA - January 26 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Odyssey just after our first son was born. Its been fantastic. We decided on the LX because we were afraid of having power sliding doors with a toddler around the house. This hasnt been a big issue. Our favorite features are 1) roominess, 2) 3rd row folding seat and 3) good power. The biggest downside, fuel economy. We average <15 mpg around town. All in all, a great car. Id definitely buy another.

• 

  GOOD NOT GREAT - 1998 Honda Civic
  By markswhite - January 26 - 10:00 am

  The car is a very good car, not a great one as some would have you to believe. It does most everything well. I never get more than 30mpg with the auto. You must push it to keep up with more powerful vehicles. It has had two safety recalls. I have had problems with the thermostat (cracked the radiator), failed oxygen sensor, recurring problems with the passenger side power window armature. It takes a few turns to start and the ignition sometimes sticks. The car is a blast and will out handle many higher priced vehicles, especially on highway on/off ramps.

• 

  Quite The Ride In The A.T.L. !!! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By LAMON&ELIN - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Have had 1 Serious electrical failure, repair exceded 3 days. Small pebble cracked windshield. Paint quailty is comming into question lately. Steering wheel vibrates above 45mph on smooth pavement. The quality overall is good, and the car is safe for Atlanta driving/commuting. This is the car to have if you need a minivan. Good Performance, Good Radio Very roomy, very nice, Well Done Honda.